Our first impressions of Casablanca are not those we think of when we remember Bogart and Bergman. It is a busy industrial city with lots of empty lots filled with broken junk and buildings in disrepair. But like any love affair, there are hidden charms to be explored. Our first visit was to the Restaurant El Mar by the ocean where we had a delicious lunch of smoked salmon salad, fish brochettes and fruit cup with lemon sorbet. It even sounded better in French, but in any language it was very tasty. We dined in a glassed-in room overlooking the rocky shore of the Atlantic where fishermen are catching tomorrow's feast.
After lunch we visit the Hassan II mosque, third largest in the world. Recently during Ramadan 250,000 prayed there inside and outside. The two larger mosques are in the Emirates and in Mecca. It was built from 1997 to 1993. Hassan II was King of Morocco at that time. He has since died and his son is now king. Their family, descended from the prophet Mohammed, has ruled Morocco since the 16th century. The mosque is a gorgeous building. People of all faiths contributed to the building cost.
The Hassan II mosque as seen from the window of our coach.
This is a remarkable building.
The women pray on an upper level which has its own entrance.
The men pray standing shoulder to shoulder, facing Mecca (east).
The floor beneath the main floor has fountains.
We drive to the Habous area. This building is now the City Hall. As they were holding some meetings there, we could see the courtyards but had to be very quiet.
Muslims do not show their wealth on the street but save it for their family and friends. Therefore their outer walls are usually plain and their inner courtyards are gorgeous.
King Mohammed VI is 49, and well thought of.
One of 12 palaces in Casablanca. It is not open to the public.
The nearby market. This is Saturday and many are shopping for clothes, food, household items, etc.
Traditional harem slippers
Morocco has many olives, almost as many as Spain.
Tagines in which they cook traditional Moroccan meals.
Our leader, Andrew, bought us almond cookies in this bakery which were very good.
Caftans
Back to our hotel and our first group dinner in the Dafra Restaurant at the Casablanca Sheraton. Tomorrow morning we are off to Marrakesh after an 8:30 lecture by our National Geographic expert, Jeffrey Taylor. Our leader, Andrew Simon is terrific, and our Moroccan guide, Mohammed, is equally outstanding. This will prove to be a great tour.
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